“After seven years of inaction by the previous administration, this has been a startling, strong, pivotal, and good first step.”
Donald Trump launched air strikes on a Syrian air base in retaliation for their chemical weapons attack. The fact that the almost 60 or so cruise missiles fired from two destroyers is not the most impressive strike we’ve seen (remember President Clinton launched cruise missiles against Iraqi targets as punishment for violating sanctions in the mid 90’s) however, the symbolic importance is huge in this case. Donald Trump ran as one of the most isolationist Republicans since Robert Taft and World War II. During the campaign, he repeatedly stressed that Syria was not our war and that America should stay out. But Trump always had a “tough guy” streak, and for all the talk of him as a horrible man, he likely feels a sense of responsibility as president. It seems he had genuine sympathy and compassion for the victims of the chemical weapons attack shown in the video, and that moved him to action. Along with items such as forward deploying NATO units and massive redeployment of forces to Asia, this shows that Trump is not the isolationist that his rhetoric sometimes indicated.
This strike is early in Trump’s presidency and a major step in contrasting with President Obama. In 2013, President Obama famously drew a red line, threatening intervention, but instead of announcing air strikes, he announced his intention to ask Congress for advice. That lead from behind strategy was a signal that America was stepping back, and the Russians stepped in by offering air and military support to the Syrian government. Assad stayed in power and committed many atrocities despite multiple secretaries of state saying his days are numbered.
The air strikes serve as notice to both Syria and Russia that there is a new sheriff in town who is willing to use force without undue hand wringing. It signals moral strength as well, as Trump has shown that America will not tolerate the use of chemical weapons at all and especially against civilians. That is a violation of international law and a crime against humanity. Trump officials are also reminding Iran and North Korea that America is willing to strike to secure humanitarian and national interests. In fact, Trump ordered the strikes during a summit with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which adds to his bargaining power there as well.
Going forward, there is still a good deal of uncertainty. This was just a small initial strike. Trump and Secretary of State Tillerson are calling for all civilized nations to join a coalition to remove Assad and end terrorism. But they have yet to reveal a comprehensive Syrian strategy. So far, many of the Persian Gulf states support the strike as a counter to growing Iranian influence. It’s possible this does little more than inflame the Syrians, and most importantly their Russian allies. It also has the chance to become a quagmire that saps American strength (as America knows all too well in this region). But Trump’s tough-guy stance and decisive choice to use force here has the ability to deter future attacks. After seven years of inaction by the previous administration, this has been a startling, strong, pivotal, and good first step.
Morgan Deane is an OpsLens Contributor and a former U.S. Marine Corps infantry rifleman. Deane also served in the National Guard as an Intelligence Analyst. He is the author of the forthcoming book Decisive Battles in Chinese history, as well as Bleached Bones and Wicked Serpents: Ancient Warfare in the Book of Mormon.
